The last time we talked about this conundrum I was telling you in my Updated Overall Rankings that I already had Le’Veon Bell pretty low in my rankings and without any more clear cut news about what kind of time he’d miss, I had a hard time moving him down from what was already considered a low RB26. Amazing how two days can change things, eh? I haven’t moved him down my list yet – I figure it would be good to see how many other injuries happen this weekend for preseason week 3 before I proceed and see who performs best amongst his backups – but he’s being said to have a lisfranc injury. They say he’ll be out only 6-8 weeks. I’m thinking back to MJD last year and wondering how much I believe in that 6 or that 8. Granted, the Jags weren’t playing for anything but there were always hopes/rumors he’d come back in season and he never did, though his injury was much later in the year. All this to say, a lot can happen over those 6 to 8 to 10 to…ok, ok I might be exaggerating but a lot can happen over those weeks. Maybe he loses his starting role. Maybe the Steelers look so far out of contention that they want him at 100% before he comes out and decide to shut him down for this rookie year to preserve him. Maybe when he comes back, it becomes a 3 to 4 ring circus of RBs in that Steelers backfield and you’re left wondering what to do with him. As a whole, I’m only a buyer if he goes on IR and my league has an IR spot. It’s the only way to ensure he’s worth the headache at this point. Anyways, here’s what other news I’m hearing on the grapevine for 2013 Fantasy Football…and here we are again. I’ll keep telling you until you do it! Go join/commish a Razzball Commenter League! The life of your family depends on it! Not really! I don’t know why I’m shouting anymore! But please make/join a league! Ok, let’s move on!
Isaac Redman – Is the man behind Bell on the depth chart. That’s the best thing I can say about him. It’s also the only thing I’m going to say about him.
Jonathan Dwyer – Is now almost assured of a roster spot. That’s never a good lead in to tell you to pick him up but of the two, he’s gonna go the cheapest and has the build to be a better back then he showed last year. If I’m taking a shot on this backfield, I’m being a contrarian and cheap at the same time and targeting Dwyer.
LaRod Stephens-Howling – Might be a PPR dynamo for the Steelers, especially without Bell to compete with. Deeper PPR leagues take note to not spare LaRod or you’ll spoil your team.
Kenbrell Thompkins – Had 8 catches for 116 yards on 12 targets, playing most of it with Brady under center. With Amendola out, Thompkins and Dobson had a chance to shine and it was Kenbrell that shone brightest. As I talked with a commenter yesterday, I’m not gonna get too involved here as I think between Vereen/Sudfeld/Amendola/Gronk when he’s back, the Pats have proven before that WR2 can become WRhell. Great upside if he goes cheap enough but with games like this, he’s no longer gonna stay under the radar; he’s gonna break through it.
Zach Sudfeld – One catch for 20 yards and a fumble and promptly not targeted nor part of the offense again after that point. Area for concern? A little if he can’t fix this problem but overall, he’ll be given plenty of opportunities much like Vereen despite the fumble. Bolden on the other hand? Ehhhh…well let’s just say Blount is still around, pretend I didn’t say it but realize how disgustingly true it is.
Mikel LeShoure – Doing his best to give Bell the backup job in Detroit, even though the numbers from tonight don’t show it (6 carries for 32 yards). If we’re wondering what back to own in case of a Bush breakdown or meltdown, learn how to type Bell’s first name into the player search in your fantasy leagues and you’re golden.
Brandon Stokley – Had 3 catches for 43 yards on 3 targets as he tries to replace Boldin in that offense. Clearly after a missed route and pick-6 for Flacco, Doss won’t be seeing that role anytime soon. Meanwhile Smith put up the goose egg on 1 target. Have I mentioned how much I don’t want Ravens receivers this off-season yet?
Ryan Broyles – 2 recs and 32 yards as he played for the second team offense. Because, you know, we really needed to see the Stafford to Pat Edwards connection. I know they’re trying to keep Broyles healthy but I don’t really understand why he didn’t get his reps in with Matthew at the helm. TBD whether two of my teams are FTFW or FML with Broyles on them.
Daniel Thomas – I’ve ignored it as best I could but I’m gonna be watching this sitch about as close as anyone as Jeff Ireland really hates to be wrong about a guy. Jeff’s pushing that Daniel could be a part of a backfield committee, which is not something I disagree with but we might see play out if he gets his way. Basically, he’s touting Thomas and I’m doubting Thomas.
Oh and sidebar that is part promotional, part personal but definitely purely sexual, I did a podcast with a fellow Razzball Expert League bro last night. Follow @Revel_Nathan for details. Or just follow him for fun. Your choice! But seriously, podcast will be live at some point today so follow along if you want to give a listen.
